"Every day there is a little progress," Frolik said following the Hawks' morning skate at the Scotiabank Saddledome. "It's the shoulder. It's sore and I can't be really strong. We'll see how it is (later Friday) and hopefully it's going to be alright."

Smith was recalled from Rockford of the American Hockey League on Thursday and will skate on a line with winger Bryan Bickell and center Dave Bolland. Smith was in line to make the Hawks' roster to start the season but suffered a concussion during an exhibition game and instead began with the IceHogs.

"It's obviously not the way I envisioned things going but you take everything in stride and work hard every day," Smith said Friday. "I did everything I could to try and get back. It worked out today, we'll see what happens tomorrow and the day after that."

"I'm feeling great," Ben Smith said. "It's been seven or eight weeks now since the injury. I'm definitely feeling ready to go. I was down (in Rockford) hoping things would work out, working hard and trying to get back in good shape and playing well."

Hawks coach JOel Quenneville said having Smith in the lineup gives the team options with the forward lines.

"Ben is useful in a lot ways," Quenneville said. "He can play all three positions. Whether it's a checking role or offensive role. In the course of a game he can be moved up and play with top guys. It's nice to see him playing well. We're happy to have him back."

Meanwhile, defenseman Brent Seabrook will miss his second consecutive game with a lower-body injury. Quenneville said the veteran is doubtful for Saturday's game against the Oilers in Edmonton.